How To Get More Out Of Your Walking Routine (Four Ways)
In a previous blog post, I discussed some of walking's wellness benefits. You can read it here. Today, I’m sharing some ways you can get more out of your walking routine; I hope you find this helpful.
HOW TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR WALKING ROUTINE
USE WALKING AS TIME FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
On your next walk, listen to a personal growth book or podcast. As I mentioned in the first section, I love listening to podcasts on my walks. I feel like I can focus on the information being shared because I don’t have any other distractions. I can better contemplate how what I’m listening to applies to my life and how I can implement what’s being shared. Side note: If you’re walking outside, please be mindful of your environment and keep one earbud out for safety, or save this one for indoor walks.
PRAY ON YOUR WALKS
Walking is a great time to pray and talk to God. To me, walking has become a sacred time away, and I always use a portion of the time I spend walking to pray. I talk to God and tell him what’s on my mind, ask him for what I need, and thank him for everything he’s already done. After spending time praying on a walk, I feel lighter and refreshed.
USE WALKING AS A TIME TO CATCH UP WITH A FRIEND
Reach out to a nearby friend and invite them to walk with you. This is a great way to catch up while doing something good for your health and well-being. I like to walk with friends, and I think it’s an excellent alternative to always meeting for drinks or food. If possible, make it a weekly date to catch up.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND SET WALKING GOALS
Since walking is a regular part of my wellness routine, I sometimes find myself walking at an extremely leisurely pace. This is perfectly okay, but to reap the health benefits, I try to pick up the pace and set a goal for walking.
According to The American Heart Association, “A regular walking routine of at least 150 minutes a week can help reduce and prevent heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Regular walking can also improve your cardiovascular fitness.”
I try to keep my base pace at 3.5 (measured by my treadmill) or a power walk speed for the first half of my walk and then switch over to a slower pace in the second half. I also utilize the incline function on my treadmill to give myself even more of a challenge. Setting a goal for distance or steps motivates me to keep improving and showing up for my walks.
I hope this has given you some ideas of how to get the most out of walking; if it did, let me know in the comments and if there is anything you would add.
ITEMS TO HELP YOU START YOUR WALKING ROUTINE
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